I just picked up an 86 softail last month, and not sure if whats happening is normal. It shifts up fine, but downshifts very hard. If I wait until Im going 5-10mph, it downshifts no problem, but any faster I almost have to force it to downshift. Also, it wont go into neutral unless I shut it off, or just about to stop. Is this normal, and if not, what could be the problem?

 

Checking the primary chain and clutch adjustments are the first two things that come to mind. I'm sure others will have more insight for you shortly.

Good luck.

 

I would say the clutch needs an adjustment from what you say. Has all the classic symptoms.

 

Throw in a VPC, run all adjustments and smile all the way to town lol.[sm=closed.gif]

 

Sounds like the clutch is out of adjustment. Buy a service manual follow the steps, they are a must have item. I also like to use Bel ray syn trans fluid as it works great , and Amsoil in the primary with those items I have found to work the best they help with clutch life on big inch motors and the bel ray ( imop) has the best shifting quality of all the syn products I have tried. . Lube the cable when you do the adjustment as well. other than that have fun working on your scoot.

 

another symtom of a mis adjusted clutch is when you have it in gear and hit the starter button it will try to creep forward on ya. good luck let us know what you find!!

 

Hey Mike, now that's technical there

 

I had a hell of time finding neutral when I first got my Dyna, but after changin to synthetic (Royal Purple for me...) it is amazing at the difference it made.... I never really had problems shifting, just finding neutral.... If the bike tries to move when pushing starter button while clutch is in, that would indicate adj is needed, if not I would say clutch is okay....

Rich

 

I would think that if it was in gear and you hit the starter button that it would do a bit more than creep foward on you , I hope you mean with the clutch pulled in

 

sorry boys i have a cop bike and it wont start with out the clutch pulled in!!